Gatling, Richard J.

Autograph Letter Signed ("R J Gatling"), 2 pages (11x 8 ½ in; 280 x 210 mm), Hartford, 27 December, 1882, to Edward Bok; on steel-engraved Gatling Gun Company pictorial letterhead; a few closed tears.

a few closed tears
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"We have sold Gatling guns to nearly all the governments of the world." The inventor of the earliest successful machine gun provides the history of his invention.

R.J, Gatling gives a comprehensive overview at Bok's request of the manufacturing history of his invention, including the original calibres (one inch, or the Naval calibre and later the half-inch calibre). The succession of armories that produced the guns are all mentioned herein, from the first prototype made in 1862 at Indianapolis and then later the Machine Works in Cincinnati, Ohio (where the six guns were destroyed by fire) followed by the Cooper Arms Co., in Philadelphia (where 15 were produced) and finally the famed Colt Factory in Hartford once the guns were adopted by the US Government. Gatling also gives a short account of their first use in the Civil War by "General Butler near Richmond, VA, in repelling Rebel attacks." Gatling letters, especially with such detailed content relating to the guns that bear his name, are rare.